Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Milton, Del.

Posted September 01, 2011

Dogfish Head started in 1995 as Delaware's first brewpub and the smallest commercial brewery in America. In 2002, the group moved into its current location in Milton. Seven short years later, the brewery once again found itself needing more space. The owners called on architectural firm DIGSAU in Philadelphia for design guidance that would reflect the brewery's unique style of operation and beer.

The team decided an industrial look would reflect the company culture, and they also wanted to incorporate materials from the production process. Metal, wood and glass combine to make Dogfish Head a notable headquarters and factory, as well as retail stop for handcrafted beer aficionados.

Eastern Metals installed 4,000 square feet of 0.032-inch aluminum Belvedere Rib Panels (BWR360) in Champagne from ATAS International Inc. The existing 104,000-square-foot factory was expanded with 13,760 square feet of additional space for retail, offices and laboratories. An eccentric tree house was added to the property, which serves as a conference room. Two bocce courts add additional outdoor space for the staff lucky enough to put in 40 hours at Dogfish Head.